Sri Lanka - News and Discussion- Post PM appointment crisis

shravan · Post by **shravan** » 22 Apr 2019 00:59

https://twitter.com/Abdulma02735602?s=17 and another name which this guy follows matches the profile.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 22 Apr 2019 01:00

extent of devastation caused by backpack bommer in buffet area indicates very high grade stuff

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 22 Apr 2019 01:02

https://twitter.com/TarekFatah/status/1 ... 9709054976
Sri Lankan intelligence agencies had informed the PM about the names, telephone # and groups that were planning the Easter attack on churches, but the PM didn't read or share the information. 200+ died due to the inherent clerical nature of desi politicians.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 22 Apr 2019 01:05

https://twitter.com/Ethirajans/status/1 ... 6000389120
one of the suicide bommers was flagged up on SM may times, for sure everyone from BRF has seen his poisonous videos; here he is saying (apparently) even if a kafir does a good thing dont help him cos he is a kafir

@Imamofpeace
5h5 hours ago
More
Breaking: Local news channels are reporting that this is the image of Zahran Hashim, one of the terrorists responsible for the #SriLankaAttacks.
Trust, but verify. It’s still too early to confirm, but do expect other moustache-less handsome faces to surface soon.

https://twitter.com/Imamofpeace/status/ ... 1709701122

Arima · Post by **Arima** » 22 Apr 2019 01:09

If this attack was to avenge New zealand attack then why no one came forward to take responsibility. this is something unheard where terror group would miss opportunity to carry out successful attack and not brag and chest thump about it to worldwide terror audience.

second point is choice of attack itself- Ngombo is christian majority with mostly sinhala speaking christians.
Batiacola is tamil majority place. columbo attack place is mixed, but it seems most of the dead is tamil people.
Attacking linguistic or religious minority is a not a political headprick for SL.

not sure what is the ultimate goal here for the attack??

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 22 Apr 2019 01:10

same Q again how can a single soosai bommer cause so much damage ! https://twitter.com/NatashaFatah/status ... 8718721025

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 22 Apr 2019 01:25

IndraD wrote:Reports say the Indian High Commission in Colombo was on target. Lanka Police chief names an outfit called the Towheeth Jamaa'th that could be behind the attacks. Clampdown on internet services. Inputs on the involvement of drug cartels based in Pakistan & Afghanistan. #SriLanka

Definitely Pak hand. Recall ISI had a module in Colombo to do terror attacks? They put a bomb and as the train got delayed it blew up in Nellore.

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 22 Apr 2019 01:35

Anujan wrote: All without anyone getting arrested beforehand. Pretty scary. Given their history with terrorism, they probably have a sophisticated domestic intelligence agencies by now, but still missed it...

They were too focused on Tamil and MAYBE Sinhala/ Communist (JVP), perhaps. Domestic Muslims were essentially not into politics. Xtians held much of the power - I guess more than Buddhists. Now the threat perceptions have suffered a rude shock.

IIRC, in Batticoloa/ Trincomalee regions, Muslims are majority, Buddhists next, and Xtians a distant third, worse-off than Shia in Karachi. So I doubt if there will be counter-progroms against Muslims there. Colombo/ parts north may be a different story.

I don't know why they say this is "revenge for New Zealand". It is obvious that it is Revenge For Xinjiang, hain? Surprisingly only a few Chinese even got injured, so a major failure there.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 22 Apr 2019 01:42

SRI Lanka's Colombo International Airport has been put on lockdown after a six-foot pipe bomb was discovered on-site
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/8910302/c ... ck-latest/

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 22 Apr 2019 01:50

Wiki: 2018 anti-Muslim riots in Sri Lanka
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_anti ... _Sri_Lanka

The Sri Lankan anti-Muslim riots were a series of religious riots targeting Muslims that began in the Sri Lankan town of Ampara on 26 February 2018, spreading to Kandy District by 2 March until its end on 10 March 2018. Muslim citizens, mosques and other properties were attacked by mobs of Sinhalese Buddhists, and mobs of Muslims attacked Buddhists Temples and Sinhalese citizens. The Government of Sri Lanka undertook a forceful crackdown on the rioting by imposing a state of emergency and deploying the Sri Lankan Armed Forces to assist the Police in the affected areas. The situation was brought under control by 9 March. Two fatalities and ten injuries were reported among Sinhalese, Muslims and Police. According to the police, forty five incidents of damage to houses and businesses have been reported, while four places of worship have been attacked. The police arrested 81 persons in connection with rioting.

Ampara District had experienced tensions since 2017, with Buddhist groups accusing Muslims of forced conversions and vandalising Buddhist archaeological sites.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 22 Apr 2019 01:54

Indian High Commission attack means ISI is behind this. The church bombings are a diversion.
If Pak is involved then Cheen and Rajapakse can't be aloof.

I ithink this is SL's 26/11 multiple level.of attacks.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 22 Apr 2019 01:56

Arun, After such attacks chatteratti will throw in a lot of factors to confuse and hide the real perpetrators. Never be distracted.

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 22 Apr 2019 02:02

The NYT reports:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/21/worl ... osion.html

The authorities said 13 people were being held in connection with the attacks. The government said suicide bombers had set off the explosions.

“We believe these were coordinated attacks, and one group was behind them,” said Defense Minister Ruwan Wijewardene. He urged the news media not to report the names of the attackers or to make them “martyrs.”

I suppose the Sri Lankan government will try to keep the identities under wraps until things have calmed down a bit, and the chances of retaliatory violence has come down. If so, we should respect that. In any case, the truth will out eventually.

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 22 Apr 2019 02:06

DID the Indian HC get attacked? With what results?
As for Sinhalese anti-XXXX riots, I think these are historically done with absolutely nothing personal though they tend to burn people alive etc. Mostly the effect of Arrack. My 7th coujin Abdul Kandywali was taken to central SL (around the parts mentioned above) at age 0.25 on a train that had army escort because of such festivities in progress. Hindu priests at temple in Colombo had been burned to death, among other things. Riots stopped as if on a whistle when news spread that INS Nilgiri had docked on a Friendly Vijit at Colombo and MAY have a force of 1,732,000 Indian soldiers. Since their cricket team started doing so well they have been working off their excess energy at such matches rather than the above activities. So let's not read anything Anti-Muslim/ Muslim-Buddhist into above events. The attacks in Kandy area are, as I mentioned, mostly because the Muslims there are mind-ur-own-business people with no political clout.

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 22 Apr 2019 02:06

(never mind)

Bart S · Post by **Bart S** » 22 Apr 2019 02:11

WTF?!!!

Does any evidence need to be washed away (like in Benazir's case)? That is the only expertise the Paki 'forensic experts' have.

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 22 Apr 2019 02:15

http://www.dailymirror.lk/features/Sri- ... 185-164100
A long article on Sri Lanka's trade policy.

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 22 Apr 2019 02:24

Some current event news-items from Sri Lanka:

Explosion at Dematogoda: http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news ... 108-165662
Van alleged used and its driver found: http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news ... 108-165671

http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news ... 108-165679

Investigators on the scene said that the Shangri-La blast was a result of at least 25 kilo grams of C-4 explosives. The conclusions are based on initial investigations and await formal confirmation by the Government Analyst.

The Indian media were the first to ascribe blame, giving rise to disbelief initially and speculation thereafter. Top ranking sources informed the Daily Mirror that it was around noon that they uncovered certain identities of the suspects.

However, Indian media was rife with identities of individuals and ideology at least 30 minutes prior. It is uncertain as to how such news was given or gained, with many theories being floated. One is that the Indian Intelligence Agency had warned their Lankan counterparts of the attack.

Sources confirmed that a letter signed by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Priyalal Dasanayake dated April 11 which was widely circulated through social media pertaining to an impending attack, was authentic. The Secretary of Defense and the Establishment did not deny knowledge of the warnings of an attack. The letter specifies the suspected perpetrators too. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also confirmed that information “was there”.

Officials sources, however, denied or soft-peddled either willingly or unwillingly the reach of the suspects and their motives. SP Gunasekara at a press conference held at the Ministry of Defense insisted that it was “only locals” but did not identify a group. At a meeting held prior to the press conference, for the heads of Media, the Entire Security Establishment insisted that it was “all local”.

One group, according to them, had been identified and zeroed in on. At the official presser, journalists were told that 3 persons were under arrest whilst at the previously closed door meeting the number given was 7. The final count was Thirteen persons arrested with 10 detained. Gunasekara, when questioned on the letter, said:

“It is still under investigation”. It couldn’t have been lost on him that the “investigation” was a mere phone call away, from the person said to have signed the letter.

Unofficially all sources including those at the top rung said that the suspects were all a part of “one single ideology. They were all a part of a Radical Islamist group” they confirmed together with the identities of the suspects.

The many questions that arise out of the blanket “press story” together with the unofficial titbits were left unanswered.

How did the group form, and why does the State machinery insist that they were acting in isolation? Could they have acted in total isolation? How do normal local Muslims decide to attack another minority group if not any group? What was the ideology and were the perpetrator's mere actors? How far and wide does the ideology seep in within the local community? What did it take to ensure coordinated suicide blasts around Churches and Hotels at the heart of the country? Who was behind the brainwashing of the individuals and where was the training from? The “only local” narrative has to fail, and the questions posed are those of an ordinary civilian. The many other questions which have not been posed must be, and answers must be given. soon.

The local Muslim communities in the Island are in shock and understandably so. The Muslim community was a minority community living on the island with no history of violence. Throughout the millennia of existence, the Muslims were an integral part and parcel of the islands rich heritage and culture. They were ‘Bhoomiputhras’ alongside the other communities.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 22 Apr 2019 02:54

UB, Two bombs were defused at IHC.

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 22 Apr 2019 02:56

The local Muslim communities in the Island are in shock and understandably so. The Muslim community was a minority community living on the island with no history of violence. Throughout the millennia of existence, the Muslims were an integral part and parcel of the islands rich heritage and culture. They were ‘Bhoomiputhras’ alongside the other communities.

That is largely correct. And they are mostly Indian or Indonesian in origin. "Local" my ass!

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 22 Apr 2019 03:06

https://www.news18.com/amp/news/india/d ... 11317.html

A_Gupta · Post by **A_Gupta** » 22 Apr 2019 03:30

^^^ Given the above news-item: It is "local only" seems to be rather unlikely to me. How would RAW know more about an entirely within-Sri-Lanka operation than the Sri Lankan intelligence agency?

The question in my head - is this attacked aimed at Sri Lanka? or is Sri Lanka almost incidental in this attack, and someone is saying - "see, my reach is still global" (or at least through out South Asia). "This could have just as easily been Kerala and Tamil Nadu".

https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_upda ... nt=disable

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has strongly condemned the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka.

“Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured”, the Prime Minister said.

A curious turn of phrase -- "there is no place for such barbarism in our region" -- as though there is place for such barbarism elsewhere on the globe? IMO, the PM is saying indirectly that "this particular act of barbarism emanated from our region, the region for which we are responsible". Couple it with the speculation above that this act of terrorism is not "local only", and interesting times are ahead.

Lilo · Post by **Lilo** » 22 Apr 2019 03:31

A_Gupta wrote:Some current event news-items from Sri Lanka:
Investigators on the scene said that the Shangri-La blast was a result of at least 25 kilo grams of C-4 explosives. The conclusions are based on initial investigations and await formal confirmation by the Government Analyst.
.....
Officials sources, however, denied or soft-peddled either willingly or unwillingly the reach of the suspects and their motives. SP Gunasekara at a press conference held at the Ministry of Defense insisted that it was “only locals” but did not identify a group. At a meeting held prior to the press conference, for the heads of Media, the Entire Security Establishment insisted that it was “all local”.
......
Unofficially all sources including those at the top rung said that the suspects were all a part of “one single ideology. They were all a part of a Radical Islamist group” they confirmed together with the identities of the suspects.
.....

Will "locals" be dealing with hundreds of kilograms of C-4 plastic explosive hain ji?
Will they be knowing how to handle such an explosive and trigger it without practice ?
The "locals only no one else" theory of that SP Gunasekara is total bull.

vinod · Post by **vinod** » 22 Apr 2019 03:35

Does the sri lanka explosions have any link to Massood Azhar?

Anujan · Post by **Anujan** » 22 Apr 2019 06:10

I am not sure Indian publications harping "We told you so!! We gave advance warning, but you werent careful" is helping here. Especially for Wickramasinghe.

Instead we should do what we can to make sure that the injured get medical attention and we help out with investigation on who did it. The fact that we shared info, should not be bandied about as a triumph.

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 22 Apr 2019 06:16

I have never seen the point in someone shouting: "Be Careful!!" about terrorist attacks. Does a Red Alert make you act any differently? Do you slink along walls like James Bond instead of walking down the sidewalk? Unless you know where, when and who exactly, it is very hard to stop something like this. Most likely the "warning" will send the polis on wild-goose chases, whereas without warnings they may be standing around scanning all comers.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 22 Apr 2019 06:45

is it possible that islamist networks in north kerala and coimbatore could also be part of the food chain ?

I am sure all central agencies are working 24x7 on this

colombo could easily be kochi or chennai if indian cells were involved. same networks used to smuggle gold and drugs are used for explosives

sum · Post by **sum** » 22 Apr 2019 06:46

^^ A real testament to the amazing and extraordinary job our agencies have done to ensure zero major incidents over the last 5 years, given the kind of folks and groups we have running amok inside our borders too

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 22 Apr 2019 06:48

25kg of rdx in a trekking backpack is like effect of a SDB inside the room

contractor grade work . this is not some group of friends having a scrum over tea and deciding to punish the kuffar with IEDs

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 22 Apr 2019 06:58

13 detained , 1 van and 1 safe house found.
suicide blast at safe house yesterday killed 3 members of police

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 22 Apr 2019 06:59

under use it or lose it philosophy any remaining members of the cell anywhere may attempt to strike anywhere they can.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 22 Apr 2019 07:58

good info here on the SL dynamics . EJs are having a field day and so is ISIS and arab tableeqs - once these two swarms enter the field you know trouble cannot be far off.

https://twitter.com/CounterpointSL

Counter Point
‏@CounterpointSL
Apr 18
When I look around, the only people I see trying to wipe out other religions and other peoples' belief systems are the Christian evangelists and their loud supporters. http://bit.ly/2Gls8ZM @BlackMambaTrade @AriffShihab @Roseandfalcon @maratnasiri @munza14 #Lka #SriLanka

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 22 Apr 2019 08:03

Dom Jerónimo de Azevedo was a key figure in the late 16th-century Portuguese takeover in Ceylon (present day Sri Lanka).

According to author and historian A. R. Disney, the touchstone of Portuguese ambitions in Sri Lanka by the end of the 16th century was the bequest by King Dharmapala of Kotte in 1580 of his entire realm to the king of Portugal. Dharmapala was a Christian convert and his bequest was unacceptable to most of his Buddhist inhabitants and to the ruler of neighbouring Kandy. The takeover was therefore resisted, and the Portuguese had to subjugate Kotte by force, formally completing the process during Dom Jerónimo de Azevedo's captaincy of Colombo from 1594 to 1612. A Portuguese administrative superstructure headed by a captain-general was then imposed on the kingdom.

Azevedo was nominated 20th viceroy of India in 1611, and left Colombo for Goa in 1612. In 1615 he backed an audacious expedition to Pegu to loot the Moon imperial treasures in Mrauk-U, an enterprise that ultimately did not succeed. However, the fact that it was supported at such a high official level showed how plunder was considered a legitimate policy objective in 16th-century Portuguese-ruled Asia.

^^^^^

Counter Point
‏

@CounterpointSL
Apr 19
More
Catholic Jerónimo de Azevedo is known as among the cruellest of the Portuguese generals. Basing himself at Malvana he proclaimed himself to be King of Malvana. He was but a sadistic killer & a thief who even robbed his own Sinhala nobles. http://bit.ly/2Zm8m9e #Lka #Srilanka

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 22 Apr 2019 08:19

a painter Prasanna Weerakody makes paintings based on the history of SL and documents some of the atrocities of the british and portugalis which euro historians have swept under the rug

https://www.facebook.com/prasannaweerakkody.paintings/

a famous vihara being destroyed and relics from the Stupa put to the flames by portugalis - note the pious padre standing next to the commander with his wooden cross, rescuing souls from the pagan religion...

british massacring people during a 1818 rebellion ... this in kandy region....the man about to be executed is a famous freedom fighter now a national hero.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 22 Apr 2019 08:32

AFP
Authorities have not made public details on those arrested after Sunday's attacks. But a police source told news agency AFP the 13 were detained at two locations in and around Colombo.

The source said the 13 men are from the same radical group.

^^^ so we can safely rule out the "hindu and jain terrorists" then. phew.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 22 Apr 2019 08:48

COLOMBO: An improvised pipe bomb discovered close to Colombo's main airport was successfully defused by the Sri Lanka airforce, police said.
A police source told AFP that a "homemade" pipe bomb had been found late Sunday on a road leading towards the main terminal, which remains open with heavy security after Easter Sunday's deadly bomb attacks.

"It was a homemade bomb, with explosives put into a pipe," said the source.

Airforce spokesperson Group Captain Gihan Seneviratne said the IED was believed to be locally manufactured.

^^^^ must be a local B-league copycat trying to imitate the A-team

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 22 Apr 2019 09:17

photo of the internal memo that police were circulating since april 11

http://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking_news ... 108-165676

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 22 Apr 2019 09:22

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/article/10849 ... e-at-large

Advisor and coordinating secretary at the Presidential Secretariat, Shiral Lakthilaka, was quoted as telling the Indian Express that Investigators suspect that two or three more bombs remain at large.

arshyam · Post by **arshyam** » 22 Apr 2019 10:06

Who in SL benefits from these attacks, politically? That might help us understand the "why" part. The Christchurch attack could be a catalyst, but its SL connection is not that clear.

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 22 Apr 2019 10:17

China Pakistan Alliance is the biggest gainer since tourist income of Sri Lanka getting badly hit and SL more at their mercy for incurred debt.